IR Camera Processing Unit for Energy Dissipation Calculation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The analysis of thermal radiation data from IR cameras is not intuitive and time-consuming, hindering users' ability to make decisions or provide recommendations in real-time during on-site inspections.

Innovation Solution

An IR camera system that includes a processing unit capable of calculating and displaying output power values and energy dissipation from thermal images, allowing users to estimate energy properties and costs directly, with features like manual input for temperature references and automatic object area identification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If thermal radiation data is analyzed using conventional methods, then detailed thermal analysis can be performed, but the analysis process becomes time-consuming and not intuitive for users

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal analysis accuracyVSAvoidanalysis time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and highlights only the most relevant thermal analysis information (maximum temperature, minimum temperature, average temperature, temperature difference) from the complete thermal radiation data set. This extraction principle allows users to obtain key insights quickly without processing the entire data set, resolving the contradiction between detailed analysis and time efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by presenting different levels of information complexity to different user needs. The interface provides both comprehensive thermal data for detailed analysis and simplified summary statistics for quick assessment, allowing users to access the appropriate level of detail without being overwhelmed by unnecessary information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Loss of information

If comprehensive thermal radiation data is processed and displayed, then complete analysis information is available, but the interface becomes complex and difficult for users to understand

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis information completenessVSAvoiduser interface simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments thermal analysis information into distinct categories (temperature statistics, thermal images, analysis results). Each segment presents specific types of data in a dedicated display area, allowing users to access comprehensive information while maintaining interface organization and simplicity through clear visual separation of different data types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of presenting raw thermal radiation data and requiring users to interpret it, the patent inverts the approach by automatically processing the data and presenting pre-interpreted results (temperature values, thermal images with overlays). This inversion transforms complex data into intuitive visual representations that are easier for users to understand.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Measurement precision

If detailed thermal analysis is performed, then accurate thermal data is obtained, but users cannot make real-time decisions during on-site inspections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal data accuracyVSAvoiddecision-making speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary processing of thermal radiation data during the image capture process itself, calculating temperature statistics and generating thermal images in real-time. This preliminary action ensures that analysis results are immediately available when the image is captured, enabling users to make real-time decisions during on-site inspections without delays from post-processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual thermal analysis procedures with automated computer-based processing. The processing unit automatically calculates temperature values, generates thermal images, and presents analysis results without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining measurement precision while dramatically improving decision-making speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enhances usability by simplifying the analysis of thermal images, enabling users to quickly assess energy properties and costs on-site, reducing the time required for decision-making.

Implementation Method 1

a thermal radiation capturing arrangement for capturing thermal radiation of an imaged view

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS9804031B2Apparatus and method to calculate energy dissipated from an object
Publication Date: 2017.10.31 FLIR SYST AB
  • US9804031B2 patent drawing
  • US9804031B2 patent drawing
  • US9804031B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An IR camera includes: a thermal radiation capturing arrangement for capturing thermal radiation of an imaged view in response to input control unit(s) receiving user inputs from a user of the IR camera; a processing unit arranged to process the thermal radiation data in order for the thermal radiation data to be displayed by an IR camera display as thermal images; and an IR camera display arranged to display thermal images to a user of the IR camera. The processing unit is further arranged to determine at least one temperature reference value representing the temperature of the surrounding environment of the imaged view; and calculate at least one output power value indicative of an amount of energy dissipated in a part of the imaged view by using the temperature value of the thermal radiation data corresponding to said part of the imaged view and the at least one determined temperature reference value.